Frozen Desserts and Slamhog are Sok Hop’s upcoming performers for this Tuesday, Feb. 24. Before going to see them play, learn about the origins of the musicians, their music and where they plan to go.
Frozen Desserts
Frozen Desserts is an indie/alternative band based in St. George, Utah. Kilbourne-Poulsen and Baxter met each other in elementary school, but they didn’t start playing music together until their late teens. Baxter was in a band at the time that was in need of a bassist, so he called up Kilbourne-Poulsen.
In 2021 Baxter’s family moved to St. George and Kilbourne-Poulsen moved in with them. Soon after they would form Frozen Desserts. It became tradition for the pair to write music together while eating ice cream or drinking frappés, later giving them the name, Frozen Desserts.
“(McDonald’s) caramel frappés fuel me,” said Baxter.
Their go-to Cold Stone orders are cookies and cream for Kilbourne-Poulsen and Mint Chip for Baxter.
While they classify themselves as an indie/alternative band, the musicians try to create something different with each song they produce.
“We don’t really think about the genre or the sound,” said Baxter. “When we’re writing, we record at the same time as writing, so whatever comes out is what comes out.”
Of their recorded songs, Kilbourne-Poulsen and Baxter both sing and play all the instruments heard as a two-man band.
The band is easily inspired, and many of their lyrics come from stories they’ve been told or have experienced firsthand. Their personal favorites they’ve written are “Kinda” and “Annie January.”
The band plans to release its first single in April and release an EP later.
“This is all I have left, there’s no backup plan,” said Baxter.
Both band members are currently in Southern Utah University’s Commercial Music program and are constantly talking about what the future looks like for Frozen Desserts.
Their upcoming performance at SokHop will be their first official show and they plan to play original music and two covers for the audience. They’re also giving out free stickers to represent the band at their show.
Slamhog
Slamhog is a St. George, Utah-based band that makes “liminal sludge” music. The band is made up of Meg Hoss on guitar and vocals, Shane Stewart on bass and Eli Sabaitis on drums.
Their name, Slamhog, started off as a joke, influenced by the slam dancing that goes on at hardcore rock shows, but is now real.
Hoss and Stewart have been playing music together on and off for the past 10 years and Sabaitis met Stewart in sixth grade. Sabaitis and Stewart have been playing together since their teen years
The musicians typically start off the songwriting process with one of Hoss’ riffs she’s crafted. It’s then sent off to the other bandmates to figure out what works with the guitar riff.
“All you need is riffs,” said Stewart.
Slamhog is frequently inspired by other artists, specifically, Show Me the Body, Meg White and Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol. In their consumption of music, they find the inspiration and desire to create their own. Additionally, while playing a track, Stewart looks to convey a feeling of a story through his bass lines.
The band members strive to create a sense of community and a space where people can dance and be silly while listening to them perform.
“One thing I love about playing in this band is not necessarily a passive listening experience,” said Sabaitis. “You could try, but it’s way more fun if you ride the ride with us.”
In preparation for their show on Tuesday, the band members gave this advice:
“It’s gonna be loud, wear some earplugs,” advised Hoss.
“Yeah, stretch probably,” continued Sabaitis.
“Get ready to slam hog,” said Hoss.
Their setlist is made up of all original songs.
Frozen Desserts and Slamhog will be playing at Sok Hop this Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door.
